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Winter holiday festivities evoke scenes of winter carnivals, skiing and snow-drenched landscapes, but in Southern California, the closest one might get to snow in December is ice in the freezer. For those raised in places defined by four seasons and who love all things snow during Christmas, Southern California might seem like an alien planet. Still, with December temperatures averaging in the low to mid-60s, Southern California offers tourists plenty to keep themselves busy during the holiday season.

Beach

The beach and Southern California seem synonymous, and it is difficult to mention this part of the Golden State without mentioning its sandy shores. Although it might be a bit too chilly to swim, the beaches offer much more than just swimming or water sports. In Coronado Central Beach in warm San Diego – its temperature averages around 70 degrees Fahrenheit during December – tourists can enjoy tide pools as well as whale-watching. For animal lovers, there is Dog Beach at the far north end of the beach, where unleashed canines can frolic in the sand and water. Los Angeles' famed and much-loved Venice Beach, open year-round, is known for its high-energy boardwalk; it remains packed all year with rollerbladers, artists, body builders, hoopsters trash-talking one another and fascinated tourists.

Hiking

Southern California has many hiking trails, each at varying difficulty, that tourists can enjoy. The Santa Monica Mountains alone have dozens of hiking trails. For a sprawling view of the ocean, hike the moderately difficult Mugu Peak, part of the La Jolla Valley Loop. At nine miles round-trip, it will be a fair workout. At the four-mile mark, you will get glimpses of the Pacific, eventually making your way up to Mugu Peak's panoramic view of the ocean. Parker Mesa Overlook in Topanga Park also has scenic views of the Pacific. You might even be able to view Catalina Island on a clear day. This six-mile round-trip hike is decently steep, so you will undoubtedly get a good workout out of the hike.

To get to Mugu Peak, take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Malibu. At about one and a half miles north of Big Sycamore Canyon campground, you will get to Ray Miller Trailhead. You can take this car trail, which will lead you to La Jolla Valley. To get to Parker Mesa Overlook in Topanga Park, take Los Liones Drive – the second left off Sunset Boulevard from PCH – and park on the right side of the road. You will find the trailhead at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Disneyland

This famous theme park is located in Anaheim, in northern Orange County. It might be all sun in Southern California during December, but Disneyland celebrates the holiday season with a Christmas parade, which includes Santa Claus and his reindeer, as well as impressive winter fireworks. The creepy Haunted Mansion sports a "Nightmare Before Christmas" theme during this time of the year, while Sleeping Beauty's castle sparkles with icicle lights.

San Diego Bay's Parade of Lights

San Diego, a port city bordering Baja California, celebrates each December with a grand Parade of Lights. More than 80 boats are decorated according to the theme of the year. The parade takes place two on consecutive Sundays in December, starting from Shelter Island and running past Harbor Island toward Ferry Landing in Coronado. The light-adorned boat show is followed by riveting fireworks over the water. The event is free, although parking is limited.

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About the Author

Christine Kim has been a writer and editor since 2002, working with Columbia University, Harvard Business School and University of Alabama Press. She holds a Master of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Kim, Christine. "Things to Do in December in Southern California." Travel Tips - USA Today, http://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-december-southern-california-107058.html. 05 February 2018.

Kim, Christine. (2018, February 05). Things to Do in December in Southern California. Travel Tips - USA Today. Retrieved from http://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-december-southern-california-107058.html

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